radar detector

[fab]

I've decided to purchase a radar detector and I said to myself who can I ask but the guys/gals on this forum.
Which detector (name brand) should I buy? Where can I buy it? I'm looking to spend $350. max. Will $350 buy me a good one?
Just recently got spooked!
TIA,

[ROMES]

mythbusters did a segment on radar detectors- none of them work... google it.

Go figure unless you like to feel cool when you get pulled over and have the cop tell you how "illegal" it is and make you pull it down...lol

[docdyh]

I have to agree with the last post to some degree, but if you are going to buy one-the only one to consider is a Valentine One-I have always had one but rarely use as the older I get the less I speeed.

[z12358]

This has been discussed here before at length. Do a search.
Haven't seen that mythbusters episode but the working of my Valentine One over the last 13 years is no myth. Get yourself a V1 -- the benchmark. I have yet to see someone regreting it.
Z.

[tomk17]

After months of research I've concluded the Valentine 1, the Escort 8500 x50, and the BEL RX65 are are the best units in that price range. The V1 does have the arrows which are neat but all of them offer 360 degree protection. Check out www.guysoflidar.com for some nice performance graphs. Can't go wrong with any of them. Most can be had brand new on ebay for $300 or slightly more for the V1. Don't recall if you have a 987 model and if so I've recently found and key switched 12VDC spare fuse to connect to. PM me if you want more info.

Call valentine, ask for an R unit, nuff said!

[986 Girl]

First, the Mythbusters episode was NOT about radar DETECTORS. It was about laser/radar jammers. Radar detectors work, while laser jammers are still being debated.

Secondly, the best detector you are going to purchase under $350 is the Escort Passport 8500, which retails for 299.95 for the red display and 339.95 for the blue. They are identical models. The blue simply costs more because of the necessary components for making it glow blue. Or, if you can get one, a refurbished V1 (typically called an R model). Give them a call and ask if they have any in stock.

Thirdly...hrm. Before I post a third, I need to check with the mods if it's okay for me to post. Don't want to be breaking rules!

[z12358]

Originally Posted by tomk17

Don't recall if you have a 987 model and if so I've recently found and key switched 12VDC spare fuse to connect to. PM me if you want more info.

Tom, we all want more info. Please explain.
Z.

[Marc Gelefsky]

Originally Posted by ROMES

mythbusters did a segment on radar detectors- none of them work... google it.

Go figure unless you like to feel cool when you get pulled over and have the cop tell you how "illegal" it is and make you pull it down...lol

I call BS, the v1 has saved my ass many, many times over the years and PROVING that it works.

Also, Radar detectors are not illegal except for ..Virginia??
and I guess Canada..

[[z0ne]]

I've had two: Some cheap Cobra one (in the $80 range) and the V1. The Cobra one, which, if I recall correctly, was purchased at Circuit City or Best Buy or some place like that. Yes, it worked, but it didn't tell me far enough in advance. It told me, like, just as I would be rounding a corner that there was a cop looking right at me.

The Valentine, on the other hand, is absolutely stellar. I haven't hard-wired it into my RS because I knew I wouldn't be keeping that car for very long. The V1 works like a charm. I would say to save up the $500 and bite the bullet. It's definitely worth it.

[Ken Corsun]

Originally Posted by fab

I've decided to purchase a radar detector and I said to myself who can I ask but the guys/gals on this forum.
Which detector (name brand) should I buy? Where can I buy it? I'm looking to spend $350. max. Will $350 buy me a good one?
Just recently got spooked!
TIA,

I've had a V-1 for several years and it has saved me numerous times. The arrows really are useful. It may be worth spending a few more dollars to get it ($399), but I'm sure the Escort is also a good detector...but no arrows.

Ken